Commercial Weather Barrier Install for Canada

DuPont™ Tyvek® Air Barrier Commercial Installation GuidelinesMethods for superior protection against air and water intrusion

Canadian Version

2 v.1

Table of Contents

Applicable Products ..................................................................................................................................................................2

Required Materials ...................................................................................................................................................................3

Air Barrier Code Requirements .................................................................................................................................................3

Special Considerations .............................................................................................................................................................3

Installation Instructions .............................................................................................................................................................4

Continuity .................................................................................................................................................................................6

Terminations ........................................................................................................................................................................6

Penetrations .........................................................................................................................................................................8

Approved Fasteners and Spacing .............................................................................................................................................9

Alternate Fastening ..................................................................................................................................................................9

Handling Tears and Holes .......................................................................................................................................................10

Façade Considerations ...........................................................................................................................................................10

Masonery ...........................................................................................................................................................................10

EIFS ...................................................................................................................................................................................11

Stucco ................................................................................................................................................................................11

Wood Siding ......................................................................................................................................................................11

Fiber Cement Siding ..........................................................................................................................................................11

Metal Panel ........................................................................................................................................................................11

Applicable ProductsAir Barriers

Product dimensions AreA

DuPont™ Tyvek® CommercialWrap® 5 ft x 200 ft (1.52 m x 60.96 m) 1,000 sq ft (304.80 m2) 10 ft x 125 ft (3.05 m x 38.10 m) 1,250 sq ft (381 m2)

Flashing Products

Product dimensions AreA

DuPont™ FlexWrap™ 7 in x 75 ft (17.8 cm x 22.9 m) 43.7 sq ft (4.06 m2) 9 in x 75 ft (22.9 cm x 22.9 m) 56.2 sq ft (5.55 m2)

DuPont™ StraightFlash™ 4 in x 150 ft (10.2 cm x 45.7 m) 50 sq ft (4.64 m2) 9 in x 125 ft (22.9 cm x 38.1m) 93.75 sq ft (8.71 m2)

DuPont™ StraightFlash™ VF 6 in x 125 ft (15.2 cm x 38.1 m) 62.5 sq ft (5.81 m2)

DuPont™ Thru-Wall Flashing 12 in x 75 ft (30.5 cm x 22.9 m) 75 sq ft (6.97 m2)) 18 in x 75 ft (45.7 cm x 22.9 m) 112.5 sq ft (10.4 m2) 24 in x 75 ft (61.0 cm x 22.9 m) 150 sq ft (13.9 m2)

36 in x 75 ft (91.4 cm x 22.9 m) 225 sq ft (20.9 m2)

CCMC Approved Sheathing Tapes

Product

CCMC 13123-R: Intertape Polymer’s Sheathing Tape

CCMC 11955-R: Tuck 20502 Contractor’s Sheathing Tape

3 v.1

Required MaterialsDuPont• ™ Tyvek® Air Barrier

DuPont• ™ Tyvek® Wrap Caps or Approved Fasteners

Compatible Sealants – See the DuPont Building Science •

Bulletin “Compatibility Guidelines for Building Sealants”

for additional guidance.

Vertical furring strips on stud lines (i.e. strapping) where •

rainscreen is desired or required by code.

Air Barrier Code RequirementsThe 2005 National Building Code (NBC) of Canada (Sections

5.4 and 9.25.3) requires air barrier systems to be included

in thermally insulated wall assemblies. The materials

“intended to provide the principal resistance to air leakage

shall have air leakage characteristics not greater than

.02 L(s•m2) measured at an air pressure difference of

75 Pa”. DuPont™ Tyvek® air barriers perform as air barrier

materials as recognized in the following CCMC evaluation

reports:

CCMC 13253-R DuPont• ™ Tyvek® CommercialWrap® – Air

Barrier Material™

Air barrier systems shall be continuous across junctions

between different building assemblies and around

penetrations in the building assembly. This guide provides

information on installing DuPont™ Tyvek® air barriers to

achieve this continuity.

Taping all vertical and horizontal seams is required to

achieve the best air barrier performance.

Special Considerations1. DuPont requires that DuPont™ Tyvek® CommercialWrap®

be covered within 9 months (270 days).

2. No surface preparation is needed for the installation of DuPont™ Tyvek® air barriers.

For additional guidelines and suggested approved sealants,

please call 1-800-44-Tyvek (800-448-9835), visit our website

at www.Construction.Tyvek.com, or consult your local

DuPont™ Tyvek® Specialist.

DuPont™ Flashing Systems Installation Guidelines

4 v.1

DuPont™ Tyvek® Air Barrier Commercial Installation Guidelines

Installation Instructions

STeP 1A. Starting at a corner of the building unroll DuPont™

Tyvek® keeping the roll plumb. Extend approximately 12” (300 mm) past either the inside or outside corner of the wall.

B. Vertically overlap the next sheet of DuPont™ Tyvek® by at least 6” (150 mm). Vertical grid lines have been provided every 8" (200 mm) on DuPont™ Tyvek® CommercialWrap® to assist in alignment with stud spacing.

NoteIt is important that proper shingling is maintained.

DuPont™ Tyvek® should be installed from the bottom of

the building up to ensure proper shingling.

STeP 2DuPont™ Tyvek® should overlap through-wall flashing* by a

minimum of 6”. For maximum air leakage reduction (when

installing as an air barrier), seal wrap at the bottom of the

wall with sealant, a minimum 3" (75 mm) width approved

tape, or DuPont™ StraightFlash™. (If no through-wall

flashing* is being used, the bottom edge of DuPont™ Tyvek®

should extend over the sill plate by at least 2” (50 mm).)

NoteRefer to DuPont™ Thru-Wall Flashing installation

guidelines in order to properly integrate DuPont™ air

barriers with the through-wall flashing.*

STeP 3Secure DuPont™ Tyvek® by fastening into the studs. For

fastener type and spacing refer to the “Approved Fasteners

and Spacing” section of this document.

Note:In order to keep DuPont™ Tyvek® from being damaged

by cladding installation, special attention should be taken

to ensure that the DuPont™ Tyvek® is pressed tightly into

any inside corners before fastening.

STeP 4Unroll DuPont™ Tyvek® directly over windows and doors

rough openings. Upper layer of DuPont™ Tyvek® should

overlap bottom layer of DuPont™ Tyvek® by a minimum of

6" (150 mm). Do not install fasteners within 6" (150 mm) of

the sills and jambs of the openings and within 9" (230 mm)

of the head of the openings.

DuPont™ Tyvek® will be fastened during flashing

installation. Refer to the DuPont™ Commercial Flashing

Systems Installation Guides to prepare window and door

openings.

STeP 5Tape all horizontal and vertical seams with a minimum 3"

(75 mm) width approved tape.

STeP 6After air barrier is installed, refer to the DuPont™

Commercial Flashing System Installation guidelines to

prepare and flash windows and doors.

*DuPont™ Thru-Wall Flashing Recommended.

5 v.1

9”(230 mm)

6”(150 mm)

6”(150 mm)

5

3

5

4

4

1B

1A

2

4


6 v.1

6”

Lap DuPont™ Tyvek® 6” (150 mm)Over Through-wall

Seal bottom usinga minimum 3" (75 mm) width approved tape.

Through-wall flashing

Seal to Shelf Angle usingDuPont™ Flashing Products


Continuity

Terminations

It is important to maintain the continuity of the air barrier

from top to bottom with proper shingling. The entire wall

surface shall be wrapped, including unconditioned spaces.

Special attention should be given to all terminations and

transitions to ensure a proper drainage plane and a

continuous air barrier is maintained.

Through-Wall Flashing*A. Overlap through-wall flashing* by 6" (150 mm).

B. Mechanically fasten bottom of air barrier through top of through-wall flashing*.

C. Seal vertical and horizontal seams with a minimum 3"


6” (150 mm)

6” (150 mm)Overlap Through-WallFlashing by at least6 inches (150 mm)

Overlap DuPont™ Tyvek® by at least 6 inches (150 mm)

Use DuPont approved tape, DuPont™ Tyvek® StraightFlash™ or an approved sealant to terminate DuPont™ Tyvek®

Through-WallFlashing

Shelf AnglesA. Seal the DuPont™ Tyvek® to the bottom of the shelf

angle using DuPont™ Flashing Systems or a minimum 3"


B. Through-wall flashing* should be applied to the top of the shelf angle and the DuPont™ Tyvek® should be properly shingled over by at least 6 (150 mm) inches.

C. Seal bottom of the DuPont™ Tyvek® air barrier to

through-wall flashing* using a minimum 3" (75 mm)

width approved tape.


7 v.1

Concrete CantileversSeal to concrete cantilevers using DuPont approved primer

and DuPont™ Flashing Systems.

STeP 1

1.) Cut and flip upDuPont™ Tyvek®

flap

4.) Wrap DuPont™

FlexWrap™ aroundcantilever

2.) Prime substrates with DuPont approved primer

3.) Before applying DuPont™

FlexWrap™,seal the DuPont™ Tyvek® to bottom of cantilever with DuPont™ Tyvek® StraightFlash™ flashing.

STeP 2

Apply 4” (100 mm)DuPont™

StraightFlash™

over DuPont™

FlexWrap™

STeP 3

Flip DuPont™

Tyvek® down and tape seams usinga minimum 3" (75 mm) width approved tape.

Concrete Column (Method 1)A. Wrap DuPont™ Tyvek® around concrete column.

B. Mechanically fasten DuPont™ Tyvek® at recommended spacing. (See approved fasteners and spacing section of this document.)

NoteMechanically fasten DuPont™ Tyvek® to concrete column

if necessary to maintain recommended fastener spacing.

Mechanicallyfasten DuPont™

Tyvek® atrecommendedspacing

Wrap DuPont™

Tyvek® overconcrete column

Concrete Column (Method 2)A. Prime concrete column with DuPont approved primer.

B. Cut DuPont™ Tyvek® at concrete column, leaving approximately 2" (50 mm) overlapping column.

C. Mechanically fasten weather barrier into studs.

D. Seal air barrier to concrete using DuPont™ Flashing Systems.

2”(50 mm)


8 v.1


Penetrations

Seal the DuPont™ Tyvek® around all electrical, HVAC and plumbing penetrations with sealant and an approved sheathing

tape, or DuPont™ FlexWrap™. Products that have flanges should be integrated into the air barrier using an approved

sheathing tape or DuPont™ Flashing Systems products. DuPont™ StraightFlash™ or DuPont Approved alternate patches

should be applied behind brick tie base plates and other metal fastening plates.

An approved sheathing tape should first be applied around penetration. An approved sheathing tape is used to reinforce

the DuPont™ Tyvek®. It is important that the tape be installed tight to the penetrating object. Next apply an adequate

amount of an approved sealant around the penetration.

STeP 1

Cut Around Penetration

STeP 2

Apply an approved sheathing tape

STeP 3

Seal around penetration using approved sealant

9 v.1

Approved Fasteners and SpacingDuPont 2”(50 mm) plastic cap screws•

1-1/4” (30 mm) metal gasketed washers with screws•

2” (50 mm) metal gasketed washers with screws•

1” (25 mm) plastic cap staple with minimum 7/8”(20mm) •

leg (for wood frame construction)

#4 nails with 1” (25 mm) plastic cap staple (for wood •

frame construction)

Tapcon• ® fasteners with 2'' plastic caps (for masonry

construction

Table 1 – DuPont™ Tyvek® Air Barrier with Screw Fasteners and 16” (400 mm) O.C. Steel Stud Spacing

Washer size

Fastener spacing Allowable Pressure

2" Metal(50 mm)

12" (300 mm)

90 psf (4300 Pa)

188 mph (300 km/h)

18" (450 mm)

60 psf (2870 Pa)

153 mph (240 km/h)

2" Plastic(50 mm)

12" (300 mm)

70 psf (3350 Pa)

165 mph (265 km/h)

18" (450 mm)

45 psf (2150 Pa)

133 mph (215 km/h)

1.25" Metal(30 mm)

12" (300 mm)

60 psf (2870 Pa)

153 mph (240 km/h)

18" (450 mm)

40 psf (1900 Pa)

125 mph (200 km/h)

*Values presented are maximum allowable pressures. A factor of safety may need to be applied for certain cladding systems.

Temporary FasteningTemporary fasteners should not be relied upon to

permanently attach DuPont™ Tyvek® Air Barriers, due to the

limited holding power of these fastening methods.

Permanent fasteners should be installed within 24 hours of

the initial attachment of any DuPont™ Tyvek® with

temporary fasteners.

Temporary fastening methods:

DuPont approved fasteners at a reduced schedule •

24-48” (60-120 cm).

DuPont approved adhesives applied in vertical strips at •

24-36 (60-90 cm) inches spacing or along every other

stud line.

1-inch (25 mm) cap staple in wood-based sheathing and •

behind 3-coat stucco, foam, or stone veneer applications.

Smaller staples (slap staples) in wood-based sheathing •

(OSB, plywood) with a fastener schedule that does not

exceed 4 per square meter. Small staple fasteners

should not be used in fiberboard or foam sheathing.

If small staples are used to temporarily fasten DuPont• ™

Tyvek® to exterior gypsum, the fastening schedule must

not exceed 4 per square meter and each staple must be

covered with an approved sheathing tape. Covering the

staples underneath a taped weather barrier seam is

acceptable.

Alternate FasteningA. Standard brick tie base plates and metal plates with

DuPont™ StraightFlash® or DuPont approved alternate patches behind.

B. Furring strips or metal channels fastened at recommended spacing

NoteAdditional fasteners may be needed between brick •

ties, and other alternate fasteners to maintain

recommended fastener spacing.

A

B


10 v.1


Handling Tears and HolesDuring the course of installing the DuPont• ™ Tyvek® Air

Barrier, minor tears may occur. Be sure to tape all tears.

Tears can easily be covered with an approved sheathing

tape or DuPont™ Flashing Systems products.

Larger tears may require you to cut a piece of DuPont• ™

Tyvek® to repair the tear.

Measure and cut a piece of DuPont™ Tyvek® large enough

to cover tear by 6 (150 mm)”. Cut above the top of the tear

large enough to accommodate the patch. Tuck patch into

slit at least 6” (150 mm) and shingle over lower air barrier.

Tape along the perimeter by starting at bottom of tear and

shingling the upper tape over the bottom tape.

Tears Holes

1

2 3

2“ (50 mm)Minimum

Façade Considerations

MasonryThe 2005 National Building Code (Section 9.20.6.4) requires

a minimum 25 mm airspace separating masonry veneer

from the sheathing membrane. The Brick Industry

Association recommends a 1 inch (25 mm) air-space in

front of wood stud construction and a 2 inch (50 mm)

air-space in front of steel stud construction. Consistent

with these requirements and recommendations, DuPont™

Tyvek® air barriers shall be separated from masonry veneer

by a 1 inch (25 mm) air-space. Window and door flashing,

and through-wall flashing shall be integrated with the

DuPont™ Tyvek® layer ensuring proper shingling. For

maximum moisture management and drying of the wall

system the airspace in front of the DuPont™ Tyvek® shall be

vented to the exterior at the top and bottom of the wall.

Some types of brick ties will act as additional fasteners for

sheathing membranes, and, if installed within 24 hours of

the DuPont™ Tyvek® layer may reduce the required number

of fasteners used for the initial attachment of the DuPont™

Tyvek® membrane.

eIFS

DuPont™ Tyvek® Air Barriers and EIFS cladding shall be

installed according to manufacturer’s instructions and

industry standards. Window and door flashing, and through-

wall flashing* shall be integrated with the DuPont™ Tyvek®

layer ensuring proper shingling. The successful installation

and performance of EIFS cladding is dependent upon the

proper design and construction of the adjacent materials

and systems of the structure.


11 v.1

StuccoSection 9.28 in the 2005 National Building covers the use

and installation of stucco claddings. This section does not

require any sheathing membrane or air barrier requirements

specific to stucco cladding. Attention should be paid to the

use of stucco additives. As stated in Construction

Innovation (National Research Canada, Volume 3, Number

3, Spring 1998) the use of adding detergent to stucco

mixes is unacceptable – “…detergent in stucco can

adversely affect the performance of the stucco, the

sheathing membrane and the cladding system as a whole.”

In some stucco systems, a rigid foam board is installed

between the stucco lath and the sheathing membrane.

When rigid foam board is installed over DuPont™ Tyvek®

sheathing it will provide enhanced structural support to the

DuPont™ Tyvek® layer and if installed within 24 hours of the

DuPont™ Tyvek® layer may reduce the required number of

fasteners used for the attachment of the DuPont™ Tyvek®

membrane.

Wood SidingDuPont™ Tyvek® membranes and wood siding shall be

installed according to manufacturer’s instructions, industry

standards and applicable codes. As recommended by the

Western Red Cedar Lumber Association and U. S. Forest

Product Laboratory, wood siding should be primed on all six

sides before installation. In high exposure installations,

enhanced drainage and water management may be

provided by creating rainscreen cladding with a larger

airspace behind the siding using furring strips.

Fiber Cement SidingDuPont™ Tyvek® sheathing membranes and fiber cement

siding shall be installed according to manufacturer’s

instructions and industry standards. In high exposure

installations, enhanced drainage and water management

may be provided by creating rainscreen cladding with a

larger airspace behind the siding using furring strips.

Metal PanelDuPont™ Tyvek® Air Barriers and metal panel cladding

systems shall be installed according to manufacturer’s

instructions and industry standards. It is recommended that

DuPont™ StraightFlash® or DuPont approved alternate

patches be installed behind all metal installation brackets.

Window and door flashing, and through-wall flashing* shall

be integrated with the DuPont™ Tyvek® layer ensuring

proper shingling.


Technical SpecificationsDuPont™ Tyvek® Air Barriers used in construction products are made from 100% flash spunbonded high density polyethylene fibers which have been bonded together by heat and pressure, without binders or fillers, into a tough durable sheet structure. Additives have been incorporated into the polyethylene to provide ultraviolet light resistance. DuPont requires that DuPont™ Tyvek® CommercialWrap® be covered within nine months (270 days) of installation.

DuPont™ Thru-Wall Flashing is a 40 mil, self-adhesive composite flashing membrane. The top sheet is composed of DuPont™ Elvaloy® and thermoplastic ingredients that are reinforced with polyester fibers. A synthetic rubber adhesive is applied to the bottom surface of the membrane. A one and one half inch edge of the top sheet does not have the synthetic rubber adhesive applied to it in order to provide a suitable surface for sealant adhesion and use as a drip edge. Corners and end dams are made from DuPont™ Elvaloy® and thermoplastic ingredients. Additives have been incorporated to provide extended UV light resistance.

DuPont™ FlexWrap™ and StraightFlash™ flashing products are made from a synthetic rubber adhesive and a top sheet of flash spunbonded high density polyethylene fibers. Additives have been incorporated into these materials to help provide ultraviolet light resistance. DuPont requires that DuPont™ FlexWrap™ and DuPont™ StraightFlash™ be covered within 9 months (270 days) of installation.

WarningduPont™ tyvek® Air Barriers are slippery and should not be used in any application where they will be walked on. in addition, because they are slippery, duPont recommends using kickjacks, scaffolding, or lifts for exterior work above the first floor. if ladders must be used, extra caution must be taken to use them safely by following the requirements set forth in cAn3-Z11-m81 (r2005) for portable ladders. duPont™ tyvek® is combustible and should be protected from a flame and other high heat sources. duPont™ tyvek® will melt at 275°F (135°c) and if the temperature of duPont™ tyvek® reaches 750°F (400°c), it will burn and the fire may spread and fall away from the point of ignition. For more information, call 1-800-44-tyvek.

duPont™ thru-Wall Flashing, duPont™ FlexWrap™, and duPont™ straightFlash™ products and their release paper are slippery and should not be walked on. remove release paper from work area immediately. duPont™ thru-Wall Flashing will melt at temperatures greater than 480°F (250°c). duPont™ FlexWrap™ and duPont™ straightFlash™ will melt at temperatures greater than 250°F (121°c). duPont™ Flashing systems products are combustible and should be protected from flame and other high heat sources. if burning occurs, ignited droplets may fall away from the point of ignition. For more information, call 1-800-44-tyvek.

NoteWhen installed in conjunction with other building materials, DuPont™ Flashing Systems must be properly shingled with these materials, such that water is diverted to the exterior of the wall system. DuPont™ Tyvek® products are secondary air barriers, not the primary water barrier. The outer façade is the primary barrier. You must follow façade manufacturer’s installation and maintenance requirements for all façade systems in order to maintain water holdout properties and ensure performance of DuPont™ Tyvek®. Use of additives, coatings or cleansers on or in the façade system may impact the performance of DuPont™ Tyvek® air barriers. DuPont™ Tyvek® Air Barrier Systems products are to be used as outlined in this installation guideline. DuPont™ Flashing Systems products are not suggested for use on roof windows. For superior protection against bulk water penetration, DuPont suggests a system combining a quality exterior façade, a good secondary weather barrier and an exterior sheathing, appropriate flashing materials and details; and high quality windows and doors with particular attention to proper installation of each component. In a system where no exterior sheathing is used and DuPont™ Tyvek® is installed directly over the wall studs, exterior façade materials should be selected to ensure maximum protection against water intrusion. Careful workmanship and proper installation of each component is very important.

DuPont believes this information to be reliable and accurate. The information may be subject to revision as additional experience and knowledge is gained. It is the user’s responsibility to determine the proper construction materials needed.

For complete warranty information please call 1-800-44-Tyvek. To submit a warranty claim, please contact DuPont at www.Construction.Tyvek.com or call 1-800-44-Tyvek. Warranty coverage requires a submission of proof of purchase of the DuPont™ Tyvek® Weather Barrier Systems product at issue.

This information is not intended to be used by others for advertising, promotion, or other publication for commercial purposes.

Copyright © 2008 E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. All rights reserved. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™ , Tyvek®, Tyvek® HomeWrap®, Tyvek® CommercialWrap®, Tyvek® DrainWrap™, DuPont™ FlexWrap™, DuPont™ StraightFlash™ and DuPont™ StraightFlash™ VF are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates. K16160CE 06/08

For more information about DuPont™ Tyvek® Weatherization System products, please call 1-800-44-Tyvek or visit us at www.Construction.Tyvek.com

Commercial Weather Barrier Install for Canada

Documents

synthetic

high exposure

high heat

metal gasketed

width approved

rigid foam

dupont approved

approved sheathing